Great Britain vs. Uruguay Olympic Soccer: Score, Grades, Reaction and More

Great Britain advanced past the group stage of the 2012 Olympic soccer tournament after a 1-0 victory over Uruguay.

The last five minutes of each half are when defenses are most vulnerable, and Daniel Sturridge proved this to be true when he gave Team GB the lead during first-half stoppage time. 

The Brits were able to maintain pressure on the Uruguayan back line, limiting the effectiveness of their opponent’s talented attack.

With a draw and two victories in its first three matches, the Brits are still in real contention, whereas two defeats in the group stage have earned Uruguay nothing but a trip back across the Atlantic.

Twitter Reaction

English centre-back Rio Ferdinand couldn't help but brim with pride at the form of his young compatriots:

"

Team GB are set up to play modern international football, packed the midfield, retaining the ball, attacking with pace from wide.

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) August 1, 2012"

This match got chippy towards the end, and Mirror Football predicted that might happen:

"

Mind you, I suppose any game featuring Craig Bellamy and some Uruguayans might actually finish 9v9

— MirrorFootball (@MirrorFootball) August 1, 2012"

One day, Daniel Sturridge may make a name for himself, but for now, he should be pleased with this comparison from Football Tweet:

"

GOAL: Team GB 1 - 0 Uruguay. Daniel Sturridge. Showing Ruud van Nistelrooy like poaching skills.

— Football_Tweet (@Football__Tweet) August 1, 2012"

Uruguay's dreadful performance caught Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl off guard:

"

Surprise-filled Olympic men's soccer includes fizzled medal favorites Spain (out with no goals scored) & Uruguay (Cavani never showed up).

— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) August 1, 2012"

Grades for Key Great Britain Players

Daniel Sturridge: A

Sturridge gets high marks for providing the match's only goal, but his presence was extremely valuable throughout all 90 minutes.

His size and pace was a constant threat to the Uruguayans throughout the match and allowed the British team to keep the South Americans on their heels.

Tom Cleverley: B+

Team GB controlled the ball for 63 percent of the match because it possessed the ball in the midfield.

Its ability to do this effectively was not entirely because of Tom Cleverley, but his smart passes and flawless touch were two of the main reasons they dominated the Uruguayans in the center of the pitch.

Craig Bellamy: B+

Craig Bellamy captained the side with Ryan Giggs on the bench before being subbed out in the 78th minute of the match.

The Welshman was constantly dangerous on wing and provided the Brits with an outlet. His presence was key in keeping the pressure on the Uruguayans and off his side’s back line.

Grades for Key Uruguay Players 

Luis Suarez: B-

Simply put, Luis Suarez needed to do more. He is the captain of his team in a must-win match, and he was unable to deliver a goal.

Suarez was able to get into threatening positions on occasion, but he was never sharp enough in the attacking third to make a decisive strike.

Edinson Cavani: C-

Edinson Cavani had little impact on this game. For such a talented player, his performance was truly disappointing.

The striker formed what should have been a lethal attacking duo with Suarez, but the two fell flat in this match.

Gaston Ramirez: C

Gaston Ramirez is Uruguay’s most exciting young talent, but British midfielders dominated him in the center of the pitch.

He was smothered throughout the match and was unable to threaten Team GB’s defenders while dribbling forward or playing balls in to Suarez and Cavani.

Deciding Factor: The British Midfield

Cleverley, Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey were fantastic throughout the match and did not allow the crafty Uruguayans to get comfortable on the ball.

When in possession, they made intelligent decisions and few mistakes, allowing their side to keep control of the match.

Man of the Match: Daniel Sturridge

1-0 victories are decided by a single play, and the man who delivers the goal deserves credit for the win.

Great Britain certainly had more chances than Uruguay, but the South Americans still had opportunities to score. Sturridge was the man who stepped up and made all the difference.

What's Next

The Uruguayans' tournament has now ended on a surprising and disappointing note. They were a team with exciting talent, but never played to their potential.

Great Britain has treated the hometown crowd to a delightful showing in the group stage. It will look to continue its inspired performances in the quarterfinal against South Korea on Saturday, Aug. 4 at 2:30 p.m. ET.